Senate Debating Future of Disability Fund

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) — Missouri senators opened debate on legislation to revive funding for workers with disabilities.

A bill being debated Monday evening seeks to replenish the state's Second Injury Fund by temporarily raising fees charged to businesses. The fund has a deficit of about $25 million that is expected to keep growing.

The legislation would also end Second Injury Fund coverage of certain types of new injuries.

The Second Injury Fund provides compensation to people with existing disabilities who experience an additional work-related injury or illness. It's financed by a surcharge on workers' compensation insurance premiums.

Gov. Jay Nixon said Monday he's encouraged that lawmakers have started debate on the legislation early in the 2013 session.